Hello New Mommy-to-be.
Now when you have finished the tough and fragile period, welcome to the Golden-Period of pregnancy, The Second Trimester. It is called so as most of the women start to feel better during this time. This trimester spans from the 13th week to the 27th week of pregnancy and is marked by various physical and emotional changes for both the mother and the growing fetus. In this article, we will explore the second trimester of pregnancy in detail.
Week 13-14: At the beginning of the second trimester, the baby is approximately 3.5 inches long and weighs about 1.5 ounces. The baby’s bones start to harden, and the vocal cords begin to form. The mother may start to feel more energetic, and her morning sickness may start to subside.
Week 15-16: The baby’s eyes start to move, and the ears move to their final position. The baby’s skin is translucent and covered in fine hair called lanugo. The mother may start to feel the baby’s movements for the first time, known as quickening.
Week 17-18: The baby’s taste buds start to develop, and the digestive system starts to function. The baby’s skeleton continues to develop, and the bones start to become denser. The mother may start to feel Braxton Hicks contractions.
Week 19-20: The baby is approximately 6 inches long and weighs about 8.5 ounces. The baby’s hair starts to grow, and the skin starts to thicken. The mother may start to feel more comfortable and confident with her pregnancy.
Week 21-22: The baby’s brain develops rapidly, and the nervous system starts to function. The baby’s lungs start to produce surfactant, which helps them expand and contract after birth. The mother may start to experience back pain and varicose veins.
Week 23-24: The baby’s hearing becomes more acute, and the eyes start to open and close. The baby’s immune system starts to develop, and the lungs continue to mature. The mother may start to experience heartburn and leg cramps.
Week 25-26: The baby is approximately 13.5 inches long and weighs about 1.5 pounds. The baby’s brain starts to control body temperature, and the eyes start to produce tears. The mother may start to experience Braxton Hicks contractions more frequently.
Week 27: The baby’s lungs continue to mature, and the respiratory system starts to function. The baby’s immune system becomes more active, and the baby starts to produce antibodies. The mother may start to experience shortness of breath and fatigue.
During the second trimester, the mother’s body undergoes significant physical changes, including:
Growing belly: The most noticeable change during the second trimester is the growing belly. The uterus expands and pushes the abdominal organs, resulting in a visibly rounded belly.
Increased appetite: As the baby grows, the mother may experience an increase in appetite. It’s essential to consume a balanced diet and stay hydrated during this time.
Weight gain: The mother can expect to gain about 1 pound per week during the second trimester. However, weight gain may vary depending on the mother’s pre-pregnancy weight and health condition.
Braxton Hicks contractions: The uterus may start to contract intermittently during the second trimester, which is known as Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions are usually painless and prepare the body for labor.
Stretch marks: Due to the rapid expansion of the belly, the mother may experience stretch marks on the abdomen, hips, and breasts.
Back pain: As the uterus grows, it puts pressure on the lower back, resulting in back pain. Gentle exercise and prenatal yoga can help relieve this pain.
Pregnancy is not only a physical but also an emotional journey for the mother. The second trimester is marked by various emotional changes, including:
Increased energy: Most women feel more energetic during the second trimester and may feel like resuming their daily activities.
Mood swings: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to mood swings. The mother may feel happy, sad, anxious, or irritable at different times.
Nesting instinct: Many women experience a sudden urge to clean, organize, and prepare for the baby’s arrival, known as the nesting instinct.
Anxiety about labor and delivery: As the due date approaches, the mother may start to feel anxious about labor and delivery. It’s important to address any concerns with the healthcare provider.
Bonding with the baby: As the baby grows and becomes more active, the mother may start to feel a stronger connection with the baby. This is the best feeling in the whole world. The women starts feeling special and connected to their baby from now onwards.
In conclusion, the second trimester of pregnancy is a critical period for both the mother and the growing fetus. Understanding the physical and emotional changes week by week can help the mother prepare for her pregnancy journey and ensure the baby’s healthy development. It’s essential to seek medical advice if there are any concerns or complications during this trimester. Also, if the health permits, the mothers should always stay active which would then help in easy delivery of the baby. Stay hydrated and healthy Mothers-to-be. See you again in another blog soon!!!!